NMFS Issues Final Rule to Reduce Seabird Incidental Catch in Hawaii Longline Fishery

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule to implement measures to further reduce the incidental catch of seabirds in the Hawaii-based longline fishery, requiring vessel owners and operators to use seabird mitigation measures or side-set their gear to prevent seabirds from being accidentally hooked, entangled, and killed during fishing operations.